Denture mounting equipment



Oct. ll, 1955 .1. s. MILLER DENTURE MOUNTING EQUIPMENT 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 3, 1954 INVENTOR. i w ma; TTONEX Oct. ll, 1955 J. s. MILLER 2,720,026

DENTURE MOUNTING EQUIPMENT Filed June 3, 1954 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 James S. Jler JNVENToR.

Oct. l1, 1955 J. s. MILLER 2,720,026

DENTURE MOUNTING EQUIPMENT Filed June 5, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 l Y umn l@ f2 .M

James 6. Miller INVENTOR.

so I M BY w. man 96/ 9J l, mmm/y United States Patent O DENTURE MOUNTING EQUIPMENT James S. Miller, Morrisville, Pa.

Application June 3, 1954, Serial No. 434,292

9 Claims. (Cl. S12-32) This invention relates to apparatus and equipment used in conjunction with an articulator in the making of artificial dentures.

ln the making of an artificial denture a customary preliminary step is the making of an impression of the mouth of a patient by means of a tray, which may be made of metal or other relatively stiff material, filled with a mass of a soft, hardening plastic material or the like in which an impression of the gum and other parts of the mouth are formed. Such a tray may be of a standard design provided with a projecting handle of light metal or other material which is held by the dentist while taking the impression, Obviously, it is impossible for the dentist to hold the tray in a precisely level position in the mouth of the patient; and in the usual method of molding a plastic denture model from the impression in the tray the dentist can, at best, only attempt to fix the tray in a level position in the articulator of whichever type may be used. Such guess-work is also carried through the operation of forming on the preliminary model a base plate, or second tray, from which the second, and more accurate impression of the mouth is made. From this second impression the final pulverized stone denture model is made. Since the artificial denture is completed with the teeth in permanent position and mounted on the stone model mentioned, any deviation of either of the impression trays from a level position or a position parallel to the model supporting member of the articulator, during the successive operations of making and mounting of the denture will be translated into corresponding inaccuracies in the completed denture, thereby frequently causing not only faulty occlusion of the teeth but also great discomfort to the patient in using such dentures.

Therefore, one of the broader objects of the present invention is to provide in conjunction with an articulator simple and effective means for fixing and maintaining the two impression trays referred to in a precisely level position in the articulator during each of the successive steps in the making and mounting of an artificial denture in which said trays are used.

In one embodiment of my invention I contemplate the use of the two trays referred toin conjunction with an articulator having adjustable means for maintaining the model and denture supporting surfaces of its members in a precisely level position. Such articulators include a base having a vertical support on which are mounted two horizontal denture supporting members in vertically spaced parallel relation, these members being in perpendicular relation with said vertical support. In such an articulator, when a level instrument is applied to one `of the denture supporting members and it shows that the member is not level, the adjustable means mentioned can be used to bring both denture supporting members into precise level position.

One object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable instrument in conjunction with an articulator of the character mentioned for visually insuring the level 2,720,026 Patented Oct. 11, 1955 position of either of said trays during their use in the articulator.

A further object of this invention is to provide a flat leveling surface on the back of each tray for cooperation with the instrument mentioned.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a handle which is attachable to either of the trays mentioned, and which handle is cooperative with said instrument and the articulator referred to.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an improved mold for forming the models required in making an artificial denture.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of an articulator of the type having adjustable means for maintaining its denture model supporting members in a level position, and showing one embodiment of my invention in connection with said articulator; i

Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1 partially in section on the line 2--2 of Fig. l

Fig. 3 is a front view of the articulator and certain parts of my invention shown in Figs. l and 2, but with other parts of said articulator omitted;

Fig. 4 is a top plan View showing the preliminary impression tray applied to the preliminary denture model; Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a top plan View of the nal base plate or impression tray with a handle rigidly attached thereto;

Fig. 7 is a section taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6, but also showing the final stone model being molded on the mounting plate;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary detail section taken on the line 8 8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a preliminary impression `tray with guide means for receiving a detachable handle;

Fig. 10 is a sectional View of the head portion of an instrument for visual verification of the level position of either of the impression trays;

Fig. ll is a section taken on the line 11-11 of Fig. 10; and

Fig. l2 is a section taken on the line 12-12 of Fig. l1.

Referring to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts or elements in the several views, 10 is an articulator havingv a base-` 12 and a vertical support 13 on which are mounted a pair of denture supporting members 14 and 16 which are normally in perpendicular relation to the support 13'. The base `12 is provided with screws 18 have disks 2l) which rest on any support 22 such as a table, or the like.

Slidably mounted on the upper supporting member 14 is a plate 24 having a vertical boss 26 with a through bore 28. Through this bore projects a slidable and rotatable rod 30 on which a head 32 is secured at its lower end. If desired, the boss 30 may carry a set screw'31 which may be tightened against the rod 30 to hold it in any position. In this head are mounted laterally slidable members 34 terminating in vertical lingers 36 which are slidably adjustable toward each other in slots 38 and 4l) and held in adjusted position by set screws 42 and 44. The tips of the fingers 36 are all in a plane perpendicular to the aXis of the rod 30.

Mounted on the articulator 10 is a yoke 46 on which is mounted by means of a universal connection 48 another support 50, which, in turn, is provided with a pair of opposed clamping members S2, which are actuated toward and from each other by screws 53. The clamping members 52 are provided at their opposed ends with downwardly inclined surfaces 54 (Fig. 3).

An impression tray 56 (Figs. l and 2 and 3) is provided with a flat outer portion 60 and a. flat handle 62 3 the outer surface 64 of which is parallel with the fiat surface 60 of said tray, and also with the upper surfaces, at least, of the supporting members 14 and 16. The opposed edges of the handle 60 are adapted to be engaged by the inclined surfaces 54 which force thehandle 60 into firm contact with the support 50.

The preliminary denture model 66 (Fig. 5) is formed by impressing the mouth contour in a mass of soft plastic material or the like contained in a mold 68 on a plate 70, which is seated on the lower articulator member 16, the tray with the plastic impression being obtained from a patients mouth, and rigidly securing the handle 62 of lthe tray between the inclined surfaces 54 of the clamping members 52, and permitting the plastic material to harden.

It should be understood that previous to the operations just described the base 12 will normally have been leveled by means of the screws 18, so that the leveling instrument or device mentioned will encounter no interference. However, irrespective of Whether the base has been leveled the tips of each of the fingers 36 should contact the surface 60 of the tray 56, which will visually indicate that it is parallel with the surface of the model supporting member 16. If the tray is found not to be level the necessary adjustment can be made of the universal connection 48.

As shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 the base plate, or second tray 72, which is formed of sheet material by means of a heating process over the model 66, has a handle securing guide 74 attached to the back of the tray by means of a mass of plastic material 76 or the like. The guide has two projections 78 on its bottom surface which are embedded in the material, and guide pins 80 with dovetail notches 82, as more clearly shown in Fig. 8, into which the tapered edges 84 of a handle S6 are inserted in a close tting contact, so that the handle may be rigidly, but detachably, connected to the tray. In Fig. 7 the tray 72 is shown in the process of forming the iinal pulverized stone denture model 88 on the plate 70 by means of the mold 68 which is seated on the lower articulator member 16. The mounting plate 90 is also seated on the plate 70 and is enclosed by the walls of the mold 68, which may be made in two halves hinged together at 92. Pins 94 in the plate 70 hold the two parts of the mold in correct position. Other pins 96 hold the plate 70 on the lower articulator member 16, as shown. Both articulator members are normally provided with openings 98 to receive a projecting portion 100 of the mounting plate, and it is through the upper of these openings that the rod 30 is vertically and laterally movable.

In Fig. 9 the preliminary tray 102 is provided with a flat back portion 104 and a guide 106 underneath this portion in which a handle of the same construction as that shown in Fig. 7 may be inserted, so that the same handle may be used for both trays. Also the preliminary tray 56 (or 102) may be made without a handle and a detachable handle attached to the tray in the same manner as shown in Fig. 7. However, in either construction it is essential that when the handle is clamped in the articulator by means of the members 52 the outer surface of the handle will be parallel with the denture supporting members 14 and 16.

Obviously various changes in the construction of my denture mounting equipment may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments of my invention shown and described are intended to be illustrative, only, and limited only within the appended claims.

I claim:

I. In combination with an articulator having a base provided with a pair of flat denture supporting members arranged in vertically spaced, horizontal and parallel re lation, said base being provided also with vertically ad- 4 justable supports for leveling said denture supporting members, means for precise mounting of an artificial denture on said articulator including a mold for a denture model seated on the lower of said supporting members, a mouth impression tray having a horizontally llat outer surface and a rigid handle also provided with a flat outer surface parallel with said outer flat surface of said tray, means on said base for engaging said handle and rigidly, but detachably, securing said tray in inverted relation over said mold and with its flat outer surface in parallel relation with said denture supporting members; and means cooperative with the upper of said supporting members and one of said flat surfaces of said tray and handle for visual verification of the level position of said tray.

2. In combination with an articulator having a base provided with a pair of at denture supporting members arranged in vertically spaced, horizontal and parallel relation, said base being provided also with vertically adjustable supports for leveling said denture supporting members, means for precise mounting of an artificial denture on said articulator including a mold for a denture model seated on the lower of said supporting members, a mouth impression tray having a horizontally flat outer surface and a rigid handle also provided with a i'lat outer surface parallel with said outer at surface of said tray, means on said base for engaging said handle and rigidly, but detachably, securing said tray to said base, with said tray in inverted relation over said mold and with its flat outer surface in parallel relation with said denture supporting members; and an instrument depending from said upper denture supporting member and having at least three vertically extending fingers in contact with one of said flat surfaces of said tray and handle for visual verification of the level position of said tray.

3. In combination with an articulator having a base provided with a pair of flat denture supporting members arranged in vertically spaced, horizontal and parallel relation, said base being provided also with vertically adjustable supports for leveling said denture supporting members, means for precise mounting of an articial denture on said articulator including a mold for a denture model seated on the lower of said supporting members, a mouth impression tray having a horizontally at outer surface and a rigid handle also provided with a at outer surface parallel with said outer ilat surface of said tray, means on said base for engaging said handle and rigidly, but detachably, securing said tray to said base, with said tray in inverted relation over said mold and with its flat outer surface in parallel relation with said denture supporting members; and an instrument depending from said upper supporting member, said instrument being vertically and laterally movable on said supporting member and having at least three vertically extending fingers in contact with one of said flat surfaces of said tray and handle for visual verification of the level position of said tray.

4. In combination with an articulator having a base provided with a pair of flat denture supporting members arranged in vertically spaced, horizontal and parallel relation, said base being provided also with vertically adjustable supports for leveling said denture supporting members, means for precise mounting of an artificial denture on said articulator including a mold for a denture model seated on the lower of said supporting members, a mouth impression tray having a horizontally flat outer surface and a rigid handle also provided with a fiat outer surface parallel with said outer flat surface of said tray, means on said base for engaging said handle and rigidly, but detachably, securing said tray to said base with said tray in inverted relation over said mold and with its flat outer surface in parallel relation with said denture supporting members; and an instrument depending from said upper supporting member, said instrument being Vertically and laterally movable on said supporting member and having at least three vertically extending fingers in contact with one of said flat surfaces of said tray and handle for visual verification of the level position of said tray, said fingers being adjustable toward and from one another to widen their span of contact with one of said at surfaces.

5. In combination with an articulator having a base provided with a pair of at denture supporting members arranged in vertically spaced, horizontal and parallel relation, said members having opposed substantially central openings therein, said base being provided also with vertically adjustable supports for leveling said denture supporting members, means for precise mounting of an artificial denture on said articulator including a mold for a denture model seated on the lower of said supporting members, a mouth impression tray having a horizontally flat outer surface and a rigid handle also provided with a flat outer surface parallel with said outer tlat surface of said tray, means on said frame for engaging said handle and rigidly, but detachably, securing said tray to said base, with said tray in inverted relation over said mold and with its at outer surface in parallel relation with said denture supporting members; and an instrument for visual verification of the level position of said tray, said instrument comprising a plate slidably mounted on the upper of said denture supporting members above the opening therein, said plate having a boss with a through vertical opening therein, a rod projecting through the opening in said boss and the opening in said denture supporting member, a head on the lower end of said rod, and at least three vertically extending fingers mounted in said head and adapted for contact at their 6 lower ends with one of said flat surfaces of said tray and handle.

6. Means for precise mounting of an artificial denture according to claim 1 in which the means on said base for engaging the tray handle comprises two relatively slidable clamping members extending transversely on eachr side of the handle, each of said members being downwardly inclined at the end engaging said handle and actuated by a screw.

7. Means for precise mounting of an articial denture according to claim 6 in which the :slidable clamping members are mounted on a universally adjustable support.

8. Means for precise mounting of an artificial denture according to claim 1 in which said mold comprises a at plate seated on the lower of said denture supporting members, guide elements on said plate, and a vertical, hinged wall positioned on said plate by said guide elements, said Wall being adapted to contain material forming a denture model.

9. Means for precise mounting of an artificial denture according to claim 1 and including cooperative means carried by said mouth impression tray and said handle for rigidly but detachably securing said handle to said tray.

References Cited inthe file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,323,832 Chige Dec. 2, 1919 1,613,384 Dobrik Jan. 4, 1927 2,621,406 McPhee Dec. 16, 1952 

